Billionaire Jeff Bezos has shown interest in potentially acquiring CNBC when Comcast spins off the business news channel later this year, The New York Post reported Tuesday.
The Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) founder has discussed the possibility with business contacts, according to sources cited by the newspaper. CNBC broadcasts programs including “Squawk Box” and “Mad Money with Jim Cramer.”
People familiar with Bezos’ thinking said the network would “align well with his interests” and provide a “neutral voice” within his media holdings, according to The Post. This could offset perceptions of The Washington Post, which leans left politically.
This new acquisition rumor emerges amid ongoing challenges at The Post, where Bezos has faced financial losses, employee unrest, and criticism over shifts in editorial approach.
Any deal would face substantial obstacles. CNBC will become part of Versant, a new public company created when Comcast spins off several cable properties. Federal tax rules prevent major asset sales for two years after such spinoffs to maintain their tax-free status.
Moreover, sources familiar with the transition say Versant plans to expand CNBC’s operations rather than pursue sales. The Post also reported that Bezos has not made direct contact with Comcast CEO Brian Roberts regarding any potential transaction.
The spinoff company, encompassing CNBC, MSNBC, E!, and USA Network, generated approximately $7 billion in revenue last year.
Bezos ranks fourth on Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index with a net worth of $250 billion. He bought The Washington Post for $250 million in 2013.
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